THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES

Jean Giono was undoubtedly ranked among the most distinguished of French writers. As an artist his INTEGRAL ART comprised of more than thirty novels, as well as many short stories, plays, poetry, essays and film scripts.

The Man Who Planted Trees - the booktrailer

In his wonderful story of Elzeard Bouffier, an imaginary yet wholly believable shepherd, Jean Giono perhaps hoped to inspire a reafforestation programme that would renew the whole earth.

I first read Jean Giona's short story about Elzeard Bouffier, entitled - The Man Who Planted Hope and Grew Happiness - in the 1954 copy of my mother's Vogue magazine.

It obviously had a profound sub-conscious effect on me at the time - because all of my father'searth-husbandry has resulted in my long-term involvement in the cultivation of indigenous European species bonsai - particularly sessile oaks - and custodianship of an ancient oak woodland in Wales.

Following much legal wrangling Jean Giono's article - long forgotten by 1989 - was first published - under Chelsea Green Publishing Company's copyright - as The Man Who Planted Trees - a copy of which my soul-mate purchased for me as a complete surprise & which I have treasured ever since.

In my early days of Alta Vista surfing the web - care of the Digital Equipment Corporation I came across an animated version of the book on a North Korean web-site which became a favourite - but in recent years have now obtained a DVD copy of same - which still brings tears of joy to my eyes on every watching.